“We are confident our
new services will boost travel and trade between the UAE and Western Australia,
and strengthen our presence in Australia, where we already serve Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane with great success.”

Etihad Airways’
commitment to trade and tourism between Australia and the UAE will see its
flights between the two countries rise from 28 to 35 per week. The new flights
to Perth will deliver an extra 3,668 seats between Abu Dhabi and Etihad
Airways’ global flight network and Australia.

Australia’s Ambassador to the UAE, His
Excellency Pablo Kang, said: “Trade between the UAE and Australia is important
and growing. Trade increased by 25 per cent in 2013 to AUD$6.4 billion, making
the UAE Australia’s 13th largest export market and 15th
largest trading partner worldwide.”

Commissioner Western Australian Trade Office – Middle
East Africa, Pankaj Savara, said: “The new service will bring more visitors and
tourists to the State and help develop Perth as a major international air
tourism and transport hub. It will also help open new markets, enhance Western
Australia’s economy and encourage students from the Middle East to study at
Perth universities and education institutions.”

Etihad Airways will operate
an Airbus A330-200 aircraft
with 262 seats – 22 seats in Pearl Business Class and 240 in Coral Economy
Class on the route.